Abstract

The theory of forward Raman amplifiers is developed by considering both monochromatic and broadband pump waves. The effects of dispersion are studied. The cases of a small angle between pump and Stokes beams and multibeam pumping in a light guide are also treated. The growth of amplified spontaneous Raman scattering and higher-order Stokes and anti-Stokes components are considered. As a result of these studies, we conclude that a high-power forward Raman amplifier employing low-pressure gases in a light guide can be designed to operate efficiently with a stage gain of the order of 103. As an application, we present a design of a Raman amplifier that will be used as a beam combiner in an optical-multiplexer pulse-compression system for a high-power KrF laser. We also present some practical considerations that should be taken into account when this kind of system is designed.

References

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